Ok so i'm new to all this but totally hooked.:-) Learning at Indoor Place in Glasgow but already thinking ahead to my first trip.
Any advice on first trips?
I'm thinking france and will probably be dazzled by anywhere however will be happy to hear any recommendations for resorts suitable for first timers. Would also like advice on recognised tour op's rather than booking everything individually, myself. (At least for now)
last but by no means least. Can anyone explain the difference's between the sunny slopes and others? Overheard part of a conversation...the nosey bugger that i am!! Obviously i'm not totally thick :-) but are there certain resorts that are better for the sun than others or is it pot luck?
Thanks in advance.
Richard 'L' Fyvie :wink:
Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates
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Started by RichardFyvie in Beginning Skiing 07-Dec-2008 - 8 Replies
RichardFyvie posted Dec-2008
KevinC
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
Richard
A relative novice myself but I've been a few times. I went to La Plagne last year with my girlfriend who has never skied before - was excellent for us but be warned - it's more family orientated than hedonistic wild apres-ski.
I've also been to Serre Chevalier and Saalbach with the school years ago and enjoyed both but couldn't comment about the facilities etc. as more than 10 years on.
If you look at the Ski Europe thread at the top all the resorts are listed and given a rating for beginners, experts etc. so probably worth a look.
I'm sure others will be more knowledgeable about the sun but I've read many times that Alpe d'Huez has a high ratio of sunny days. In general the benefits are having nice weather however I do believe when it gets a bit warmer this can have an adverse affect on the quality of snow meaning it can turn a little slushy in the afternoon (and presumably icy the next morning?!). And if it was sunny all the time there'd be nothing producing snow so no resort used for skiing will be cloud-free.
A relative novice myself but I've been a few times. I went to La Plagne last year with my girlfriend who has never skied before - was excellent for us but be warned - it's more family orientated than hedonistic wild apres-ski.
I've also been to Serre Chevalier and Saalbach with the school years ago and enjoyed both but couldn't comment about the facilities etc. as more than 10 years on.
If you look at the Ski Europe thread at the top all the resorts are listed and given a rating for beginners, experts etc. so probably worth a look.
I'm sure others will be more knowledgeable about the sun but I've read many times that Alpe d'Huez has a high ratio of sunny days. In general the benefits are having nice weather however I do believe when it gets a bit warmer this can have an adverse affect on the quality of snow meaning it can turn a little slushy in the afternoon (and presumably icy the next morning?!). And if it was sunny all the time there'd be nothing producing snow so no resort used for skiing will be cloud-free.
Bon. Allez!
Brimster
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
Hi Richard
Am sure you will have a lot of responses to this thread with advice.
I have to say that I have only ever traveled with Crystal and Thomas Cook and have never had any problems I think its likely any type of holiday it depends on what you want and expect from the money you pay. Supposedly following a recent survey in the Telegraph Neilson came out with the highest ratings and i have been on other holidays with them and they are the top end of quality and price so I suppose it depends on your budget.....
As for resorts for first timers there are a million and one out there so i suppose it depends on what you want from a resort - apres ski, ski in ski out, shops, other activities.......
Personally the only time that I find that the sun has a major impact on your skiing and the slopes is when spring is approaching and the weather is becoming warmer as you then find that the snow turns "slushy" and can make it harder to ski. other than that the sun being out is a big pick you up and just makes skiing a bigger pleasure than it already is.
Am sure you will have a lot of responses to this thread with advice.
I have to say that I have only ever traveled with Crystal and Thomas Cook and have never had any problems I think its likely any type of holiday it depends on what you want and expect from the money you pay. Supposedly following a recent survey in the Telegraph Neilson came out with the highest ratings and i have been on other holidays with them and they are the top end of quality and price so I suppose it depends on your budget.....
As for resorts for first timers there are a million and one out there so i suppose it depends on what you want from a resort - apres ski, ski in ski out, shops, other activities.......
Personally the only time that I find that the sun has a major impact on your skiing and the slopes is when spring is approaching and the weather is becoming warmer as you then find that the snow turns "slushy" and can make it harder to ski. other than that the sun being out is a big pick you up and just makes skiing a bigger pleasure than it already is.
Ian Wickham
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
Livigno is pretty good for the beginner, good night life, cheaper prices and friendly locals. I still go back in the summer not skied there for a while though.
The valley runs east to west so the valley pretty much gets the sun all day, which allows for long days even in January, the resort is 1800m high so has a pretty good snow record, the sun will just soften the snow a tad.
The valley runs east to west so the valley pretty much gets the sun all day, which allows for long days even in January, the resort is 1800m high so has a pretty good snow record, the sun will just soften the snow a tad.
Andyhull
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
Several interesting points being made, firstly tour operators, I've had bad experiences arranged big trips with both Crystal and Neilson. The big companies don't seem to value the customer either during the booking stage or out in resort. It's really pot luck whether the staff in resort are capable.
We've booked with Skiworld for the last 5 or 6 years and have to say we've had very few issues.
Sunny slopes are just ones which face South and therefore are in sun for most of the day. These also tend to be the ones which are icy in the mornings and slushy pm. North facing slopes tend to have better snow, but will be in the shade.
Geography impacts the prevailing weather, Alpe D'Huez is a good example. Bad weather comes in and dumps plenty of snow but clears quickly. The resort has one of the highest number of sunny days while still having a great snow record.
As to where to go, as suggested look through the Ski Europe and pick out the beginners resorts. You don't need to visit a huge ski area because you won't get value from the pass.
We've booked with Skiworld for the last 5 or 6 years and have to say we've had very few issues.
Sunny slopes are just ones which face South and therefore are in sun for most of the day. These also tend to be the ones which are icy in the mornings and slushy pm. North facing slopes tend to have better snow, but will be in the shade.
Geography impacts the prevailing weather, Alpe D'Huez is a good example. Bad weather comes in and dumps plenty of snow but clears quickly. The resort has one of the highest number of sunny days while still having a great snow record.
As to where to go, as suggested look through the Ski Europe and pick out the beginners resorts. You don't need to visit a huge ski area because you won't get value from the pass.
Pavelski
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
Richard,
Welcome to the sport.
Your question is an excellent one and does make for a better holiday if youre mountain ski slopes is "oriented" a certain way!
The sun rises in east (as we all know) and sets in West!
In ski resorts where ski runs are predominantly facing east,,these runs will get early sun!
What does that mean to you,,the skier!
Several beautiful things will happen on such slopes;
1.the sun will warm up these runs earlier, thus softer snow base
2. Visibility will be better
3.Early skiing will be easier and more relaxed
4 As you ski down you will be facing the sun,,unlike figther pilots who dread facing the sun,,,skier love it since it will make you "toasty" warm and also make you have a delicious tan!
Hope this helps you!
As you get better, I am sure you will notice a "skier migration pattern" like many birds do for the various seasons.
Smart expert skiers begin skiing on the easterly facing runs,,then as sun gets to highest point (12 ) they will migrate to runs on the westerly side where snow has not yet ben softened too much.
It is all a question of finding that "best snow cover" You see some snow type are easier to ski than other types of snow!
Some snow is "faster" some snow is harder, and finally ther is some snow that is "delinquent" you would call ie "ruffian" snow! It does not like skiers,,so it lays waiting for a beginner and at last moments grabs the ski edge and makes you fall. Its second name is spring snow!
I am sure you will discover all this soon!
Welcome to the sport.
Your question is an excellent one and does make for a better holiday if youre mountain ski slopes is "oriented" a certain way!
The sun rises in east (as we all know) and sets in West!
In ski resorts where ski runs are predominantly facing east,,these runs will get early sun!
What does that mean to you,,the skier!
Several beautiful things will happen on such slopes;
1.the sun will warm up these runs earlier, thus softer snow base
2. Visibility will be better
3.Early skiing will be easier and more relaxed
4 As you ski down you will be facing the sun,,unlike figther pilots who dread facing the sun,,,skier love it since it will make you "toasty" warm and also make you have a delicious tan!
Hope this helps you!
As you get better, I am sure you will notice a "skier migration pattern" like many birds do for the various seasons.
Smart expert skiers begin skiing on the easterly facing runs,,then as sun gets to highest point (12 ) they will migrate to runs on the westerly side where snow has not yet ben softened too much.
It is all a question of finding that "best snow cover" You see some snow type are easier to ski than other types of snow!
Some snow is "faster" some snow is harder, and finally ther is some snow that is "delinquent" you would call ie "ruffian" snow! It does not like skiers,,so it lays waiting for a beginner and at last moments grabs the ski edge and makes you fall. Its second name is spring snow!
I am sure you will discover all this soon!
Sami_glasgow
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
as a fellow learner i have no recommendations
just want to say
when you see the views from the mountain top you will be blown away by the beauty
i had my first days skiing on the caingorm mountain and comparing it to xscape centre well...theres no comparison
indoor skiing is like driving an formula 1 car in a car park
personally...im going on my first ski trip to courchevel, plainly because i got a great deal and money is my main factor
depending on your financial situation you may be able to pick a resort most suited to beginners or pick a resort where you find a good last minit deal!
i hope you enjoy your holiday
Sami
just want to say
when you see the views from the mountain top you will be blown away by the beauty
i had my first days skiing on the caingorm mountain and comparing it to xscape centre well...theres no comparison
indoor skiing is like driving an formula 1 car in a car park
personally...im going on my first ski trip to courchevel, plainly because i got a great deal and money is my main factor
depending on your financial situation you may be able to pick a resort most suited to beginners or pick a resort where you find a good last minit deal!
i hope you enjoy your holiday
Sami
Hymac580
reply to 'Hooked but still wearin "L" Plates' posted Dec-2008
I would definitely recommend for a first trip, you book with a TO. I too would recommend Skiworld, who've done us proud on the last 4 occasions.
One downside in common with a lot of TO's is that you are beholden to their schedule, time-keeping and resources. For example, be prepared for a lot of hanging about in airports or in parked coaches. TO's do have a habit of grouping together incoming flights onto resort coaches. Often meaning you may have to wait for another flight to arrive before your coach can leave the airport. Can be annoying, especially if you're chomping at the bit waiting to get an afternoons skiing. This only happens 'cos they haven't the resources to put on extra transport.
Snow enthusiasts are resillient folks in the main, and will put up with a lot of things that lesser holidaymakers would be writing to their MP about.
Lastly
If this is your first trip, I'm guessing you'll be in group lessons, which will be most likely in the morning, so you'll have little choice on the orientation of the slopes, 'cos you'll be following your instructor. So don't concern yourself too much, and besides we're all gonna have fresh snow every night this season ( so my best mate's, girlfriends second uncle told me !*!)
Graham
One downside in common with a lot of TO's is that you are beholden to their schedule, time-keeping and resources. For example, be prepared for a lot of hanging about in airports or in parked coaches. TO's do have a habit of grouping together incoming flights onto resort coaches. Often meaning you may have to wait for another flight to arrive before your coach can leave the airport. Can be annoying, especially if you're chomping at the bit waiting to get an afternoons skiing. This only happens 'cos they haven't the resources to put on extra transport.
Snow enthusiasts are resillient folks in the main, and will put up with a lot of things that lesser holidaymakers would be writing to their MP about.
Lastly
If this is your first trip, I'm guessing you'll be in group lessons, which will be most likely in the morning, so you'll have little choice on the orientation of the slopes, 'cos you'll be following your instructor. So don't concern yourself too much, and besides we're all gonna have fresh snow every night this season ( so my best mate's, girlfriends second uncle told me !*!)
Graham
Topic last updated on 11-December-2008 at 15:42